DEVELOPMENT OF A PATHLOSS MODEL FOR 3G NETWORKS AT 1.857 GHz IN PORT HARCOURT NIGERIA

This paper reports the development of a Path loss Model For 3G Networks using Port Harcourt City in Nigeria as a case study. Signal loss experienced by network users in and around the city has been an issue that needed to be addressed. WCDMA network operating at a frequency of 1.857GHz was monitored in some selected areas within the city namely: Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Ikwerre road and D-line.. Drive test was used as the method for data collection.  Based on the data collected and analysis done a path loss model that best describes the signal loss was developed as Lp=126.99 dB+ 27.2 log (D). It was observed that the proposed model showed significant improvement when compared to the Okumura-Hata model, COST 231 model, and LEE model.